The teenage years, by definition, are an evolution between childhood and adult status. It is a maturing time, a time to test the waters of independence while retaining the safety net of the core family. It is a time when children begin to pull away, as parents struggle to protect their offspring from the dangers associated with premature separation.

In the midst of this in-between state lies the prime year for student athletics. Much information has been disseminated in recent years regarding possible life-long complications stemming from athletic injuries. Of particular interest is damage to the brain incurred during contact sports.

Our parent company, Gatehouse Media, produced a comprehensive series this month exploring the impact of brain injuries on young athletes. The most misunderstood injury is the concussion, which can cause long-term effects on young brains.

A concussion can occur from a blow to the head or an impact elsewhere on the upper body that transmits to the head, causing the soft brain to slam into the inside of the skull.

While to the untrained eye the injured athlete may appear normal, to the trained eye, the symptoms are recognizable. Only 10 percent of concussions include the loss of consciousness. Less subtle symptoms can be a headache, dizziness, difficulty concentrating and confusion. Symptoms may not surface for days, or even later.It may take days or weeks for the brain to return to its normal state, so a quick return to the field is an invitation to repeated injury, and more serious consequences.

The best way to protect these young athletes is to be proactive in protecting them from permanent injury. Not even the best helmet can completely protect a player from brain trauma. Injuries require immediate expert assessment, and an aggressive stand against further injury.

Student athletes believe in invincibility. They are still in their formative years, looking outside their core family toward independence.

It is the role of the adults in their lives – trainers, coaches and parents – to take a firm stand to look out for the athletes’ best interests.

As football season starts this week, take heed. No athletic accomplishment is worth the life-long impact of brain damage.